The article analyzes the paintings and drawings of Russian and European artists of the XVIII-XIX centuries, dedicated to the events of the Great Northern War between Russia and Sweden (1700-1721). The creativity by A. P. Bogolyubov, A. E. Kotzebue, G. Cederström and other talented battle painters of classical art is considered. The author aims to update the most important war events for artists and to reveal the authenticity of their images. The topic of the article is of great importance in connection with the 300th anniversary of the conclusion of the Treaty of Nystad, which marked the victory of Russia in the Great Northern War.